Racism and Early Childhood Health

Racism and discrimination affect people in many different ways. A recent study published in American Psychologist looks at the effects of racism on children, and the findings are stunning and concerning.

The study found that children begin to feel racial differences as early as six months old. Researchers learned that children as young as age four are aware of being discriminated against. Investigators found that the early experience of racism was linked to lower academic achievement and to an increase in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.